Vintage Londoner with retrocentric tastes. Interested in the uncommon,artistic,cultural and visual life of this old tart of a city and its tawdry glamour. Tinctured with cocktails, swear words and the odd rant. I'm friendly but bolshy and my opinions are honest and sponsor-free. P.R and marketing types please see 'About Me'.
redlegsinsoho@me.com

Thursday, 3 February 2011

Reading wish list...big glossy books!

Some of you are aware I am a Librarian (hear me roar!) but sadly my professional life is full of tomes on wounds, erectile dysfunction and diabetic foot amputations. Also I have fallen behind with my reading and am still to tackle the marvelous biography of Chanel that the gent bought me for Christmas. Big coffee table books do not require the same concerted effort, but their images can be inspiring and revisited repeatedly. I thought I would share some publications of the image rich, table brick variety that I am itching to flick through.

The first is 'Cafe Society' Socialites, Patrons and Artists: 1920 to 1960. Thierry Coudert. This is simply a book of fantastic images of people some might have accused of being dilettantes but who shaped society and fashion, it seems to redress the balance by putting those women who ran salons and encouraged artists at centre stage for once. Currently out of stock on Amazon I have seen it in the Regent Street branch of Anthropology, it's around the 40 quid mark but wonderful none the less.

The second is Isabella Blow by Martina Rink.I must say that for me the best way to remember this fashion maverick and interesting woman is to look at her her. So this book of images appeals more than the rash of memoirs and dubious biogs that appeared after her death. A wonder reminder that style transcends traditional prettiness and beauty. Katie Chutzpah's excellent review can be read here.

Next up, Edith Head: The Fifty-Year Career of Hollywood's Greatest Costume Designer by Jay Jorgenson. Great picture-rich history of the marvellous Edith and her even more marvellous designs for movie costume. Remarkable ability to meld story, atmosphere and star into a cohesive, memorable and believable outfits.As you can see, available from Amazon.

Finally Dogs in Vogue by Judith Watt. Dogs however puggy and scrappy are the perfect friendly accessory. No other creature matches couture like a canine, there are some absolutely wonderful images in here from terriers and tweed, to salukis and silk. The pooches make you go awww! and the clothes make you go ahhhhh!

You would also love this one - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elegance-Seeberger-Brothers-Fashion-Photography/dp/0811859428/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1296770321&sr=8-9 They were like The Sartorialist but in the 20s and 30s.Also, I met Isabella Blow once. She asked me for a tampon backstage at London Fashion Week!

For some reason I have just now clicked on this post, but if you haven't looked at that Edith Head book yet it is excellent! A good friend got it as a graduation present this summer and it had to be removed from my hands at least so I did not try to steal it from her.